The features by which cars of the same brand were distinguished were previously characteristic only of premium class cars. The radiator grille of a Mercedes, the characteristic headlights of a BMW - who does not know such distinguishing features? Nowadays, even automakers that produce relatively inexpensive products are striving for a certain unification of models. Korean manufacturers were especially successful in this. And the matter is not limited to one platform common to several models. It is customary to bring "family features" like similar optics or a common appearance to cars built on a different platform. This is especially successful for KIA designers.
The common appearance of the models of this automaker is typical even for such different models as RIO and SORENTO. This is especially true for the updated version. this car. But, of course, the similarity ends there. Consider the characteristics of the Chia Sorento 2013 specifications.
But first, a little history of the model. The first Sorento was presented to the public in 2002.
Then under this name it was issued real SUV having all the distinctive features of such cars - a frame, powerful engine large volume, and a manual transmission. The drive on the first Sorento was full, hard-wired, or front. The car was equipped with ABS. Later, two automatic boxes were added - four- and five-speed. The design of the model was developed clearly with an eye on the American market.
The success of overseas sales forced Kia to take quite serious steps when updating the model four years later. The 2006 version lost the unpopular mechanics in the US, but acquired two new engines - both gasoline and both quite powerful.
Three years later, sales of the second generation Sorento began. It was a completely different car, and not only externally. The engineers abandoned frame structure, and marketers - from focusing mainly on the American and Canadian markets. A new seven-seater body was introduced, a new gearbox, and the range of engines was also updated. The car has become more economical, and the availability of diesel power unit unequivocally spoke of a reorientation towards a more economical European buyer.
The new KIA was upgraded in 2013, and its sales started a year later. How is this car different from its predecessors?
There were no cardinal changes here, but some details can still be seen.
For example, the headlights are now complemented by LED daytime running lights. The geometry of the bumpers has been changed, which have become much more elegant and received niches for foglights.
The radiator grille, or rather, a false panel imitating one, has also become a match for the bumpers.
She has become much narrower and more graceful.
Geometry has changed rear bumper, which also has fog lights.
Optics on the stern - also LED, has become more elegant and much more practical.
There will no longer be a lack of illumination of the rear plane.
From below, the car is protected by a special protective skirt made of unpainted plastic. This is a distinctive feature of the models supplied to the domestic market. In countries where roads are more friendly to the car and the driver, the Sorento is devoid of such a conspicuous detail.
The updated car is equipped with two various types wheels. The most expensive versions get 19-inch alloy wheels, equipped with low-profile tires. Cheaper versions are content with 17-inch wheels and standard tires.
Much more significant are the changes that the car has undergone inside. Moreover, Korean specialists have not changed appearance distinguished by a good design and thoughtfulness of the cabin, and its layout. At first glance, this is not particularly noticeable, but on the road, both passengers and the driver will appreciate it. A few extra inches overhead came from the new, lower floor. The second row of seats is moved a couple of centimeters away from the first row. The third row, available in expensive versions, is relatively spacious on the sides and legs, but there is still not enough headroom here.
The front panel at first glance also has not changed. And just looking closer, you see - it's not. The materials used in the cabin have been completely updated. They have become more pleasant to the touch, and outwardly look more expensive. Changed instrument lighting, and itself dashboard now organized differently. So, a seven-inch color touch screen fits perfectly into the panel, which is pleasant enough for the eyes and responds well to control touches. The design of the center console as a whole has also changed.
The automatic transmission selector has become much more ergonomic, and the edging of the central tunnel is much more stylish.
The front seats have received a new profile. According to the manufacturer - providing better support and an increased level of comfort. The third row is now shaping up differently - it was to the process of transforming the interior of the pre-styling seven-seat version that buyers had certain complaints. Therefore, the folding mechanism was redesigned. Now it is enough to pull out a special tape - and the backs of the third row will lie on the trunk floor. At the same time, which is important, a perfectly flat surface without protrusions is formed.
In general, the interior has been changed exactly as it was necessary to achieve maximum comfort for passengers.
By the way, about the trunk. The luggage opening has become wider and, even more pleasantly, its geometry has changed.
Now, when loading oversized cargo, nothing will cling and interfere. And a slight increase in rear passenger legroom did not affect its volume.
The volume of the luggage compartment with the third row seats unfolded is 258 liters.
The folded third row significantly increases its volume. Then the trunk becomes 1047 liters in volume. However, even if such space is not enough, you can fold the second row of seats. In this case, the trunk volume will be 2052 liters. The advantage of the updated Sorento is the absolutely flat floor of the luggage compartment - both with the third row folded down and the second row of seats folded down.
The model is distinguished by the presence of several options for power plants. There are three powertrains to choose from - two petrol and one diesel. Moreover, only two of them are supplied to our country. It is surprising that KIA did not follow the path beaten in this sense by other automakers. Instead of supplying us exclusively with petrol versions, complaining about the quality of diesel fuel, the company decided otherwise. Domestic consumers are available diesel and "junior" gasoline engine.
Let's start with diesel. The volume of this four-cylinder engine is 2199 cubic centimeters. Its power is 197 Horse power already from 3800 rpm, and the torque is 421 N / m. This allows you to accelerate a fairly heavy car to the first hundred in just 9.9 seconds. The maximum speed declared for this engine by the manufacturer is 190 km / h.
Happy fuel consumption. In mixed mode, the car consumes 6.7 liters per hundred kilometers.
On the highway, this figure can even reach 5.4 liters, if you do not put too much pressure on the accelerator pedal. The car will not ruin even with predominantly urban operation - the consumption figures declared by the manufacturer should be kept within 8.8 liters per 100 km.
The petrol engine also has four cylinders and a volume of 2359 cm3 and develops slightly less power - 175 l / s at 6000 rpm. Torque - 225 N / m, maximum speed- all the same 190 km / h. Its fuel consumption indicators are, of course, higher than those of diesel unit. Such a car with mechanical box transmission consumes 7.2 liters on the highway, 11.5 liters in the city, and 8.8 liters of gasoline in the combined cycle.
It is necessary to fill the car with 95th gasoline, the volume fuel tank is 64 liters.
The automatic transmission further increases fuel costs. In the city, the all-wheel drive Sorento burns 12.5 liters of fuel, in the combined cycle - 8.8. But outside the city, the machine shows miracles of economy - subject to the normal speed regime, the engine consumes only 6.9 liters of 95th gasoline.
The “senior” gasoline engine is not supplied to our country - a 3.5 liter monster with six cylinders. The power of such a unit is 276 horsepower, and the torque is 336 N / m. A car with such an engine overcomes the mark of the first hundred km / h in 9 seconds, but the maximum speed is electronically limited at the same mark of 190 km / h. True, fuel consumption is much higher - a little less than 11 liters of gasoline in the combined cycle, 9 liters - on the highway and more than fourteen - in the city.
The choice of these units is quite modest. On crossover KIA they put either a six-speed mechanics, or a six-speed automatic. Both boxes were inherited from the pre-styling version, the units were not subjected to any changes or modifications. This is understandable - there were no complaints about their work. To finally save the buyer from the agony of choice, KIA engineers decided to supply diesel version exclusively in conjunction with automatic transmission– the mechanics is provided only for petrol engines.
The restyled version does not differ from the previous ones in dimensions. The length of the car is still 4685 mm, the width is 1885 mm, and the height with roof rails is 1735 mm. A car not equipped with roof rails is 25 mm lower. Wheelbase cars - 2700, and the ground clearance reaches 185 mm.
The main changes are in the selection of body materials and the placement of several additional power elements. Thus, the proportion of body parts made of high-strength steels has increased by a quarter, and a special spacer has been installed between the front shock absorbers.
These innovations made it possible to increase the torsional rigidity of the body by 18% at once. Thanks to this, the crossover has become more comfortable and safer, and handling has grown.
External body parts have not changed. Unless stylish selections were added on the sides - moldings. This is not only a design refinement, but a measure necessary to reduce the drag coefficient. Of course, cardinal improvements cannot be achieved with such an innovation, but the aerodynamics of the updated version provides a few percent of fuel savings.
Actually, this is all the changes that the car body has undergone, with the exception of the appearance on the fifth door of a stylish selection, which serves more design purposes than improving aerodynamic characteristics.
Certain changes have also occurred in the chassis of the car. No, no significant changes - as before, the front suspension is an independent spring, MacPherson design, with a stabilizer bar. The rear is a multi-link independent design, also equipped with a stabilizer. However, the suspension indicators were significantly improved by installing new parts. The updated crossover received new springs, subframes of a different design, and, most importantly, shock absorbers with the ability to change the degree of rigidity. All this made the car more collected, improved handling on the road and off it, but slightly worsened the smoothness of the ride.
The car is available with two drive options. You can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is intended primarily for deliveries to the United States and, to a lesser extent, to Western Europe. Only all-wheel drive versions of KIA Sorento are officially supplied to ours.
Four-wheel drive - pluggable. In normal traffic situation, in the city or on the highway, the front wheels are leading. But in the case of going to the primer, when the front wheels start to slip, it automatically connects rear axle. At the same time, the car, for nothing that the SUV, has the capabilities of a "real" SUV. Working in tandem with an electromagnetic clutch, the electronic system by default distributes the torque in the proportion necessary for normal, slip-free movement. She works like this.
The electronic system constantly compares the speed of rotation of the front and rear wheels. If the speed of rotation of the front wheels begins to significantly exceed the speed of the rear wheels, then slipping occurs. In this case, the control unit gives the command to the electromechanical clutch to connect the rear axle, and the moment is distributed just enough to prevent slipping - no more and no less. As soon as the speed of rotation of the front wheels signals to the drive control system that the slip has ended, an automatic switch to front-wheel drive occurs. If necessary, up to 50% of the moment can be transferred to the rear axle, which, coupled with a sufficiently large ground clearance, brings the characteristics of this crossover to the capabilities of "real" SUVs.
Apparently, the pedigree is felt - the first series of the model had an absolutely off-road body.
However, do not forget that the KIA Sorento lost its frame a long time ago.
You can also use the system that activates the Lock Mode. The electronics cannot select this mode of operation of the clutch, it must be turned on by the driver. This mode is designed to overcome the most difficult sections of the track, when the conventional control system can not cope. If LOC MOD is activated, at speeds up to 10 km/h rear drive is rigidly blocked, and up to 55% of the torque is transmitted to it. In this case, the moment is distributed equally between the rear wheels, for which a special multi-plate clutch is used. The faster the car moves, the more torque is distributed to the front axle. At speeds above 30 km/h, the rear wheel clutch ceases to act like a locked differential, and at speeds above 40 km/h, the mode is automatically deactivated. However, it is worth the driver to reduce the speed to 40 km / h - and the Lock Mode will turn on again.
Thus, the technical characteristics inherent in the chassis of the Kia Sorento make this car very convenient for operation in the suburbs and rural areas.
Brakes, both front and rear, disc. At the same time, the rear brakes are equipped with ventilation, regardless of the version of the car, and the front ventilated ones are not provided even in the most expensive, luxury versions.
The steering of the car is rack and pinion. An electric power steering with three-band adjustment, traditional for modern cars of this class, is installed on the rail. The Flex Steer system is responsible for adjusting the steering characteristics, which helps to select the most suitable driving mode for the driving style. Comfort, Sports and Normal modes are provided.
The choice of COMFORT mode is justified when driving in heavy city traffic or while performing parking manipulations. In this mode, the operation of the electric booster is aimed at minimizing the effort on the part of the driver required to turn the wheels. Of course, this reduces the sharpness of control and feedback steering wheel.
SPORTS mode makes the steering wheel quite elastic. Now, to turn it, you need to make some efforts, but the control becomes much more informative and polished.
This mode will delight fans of a sporty driving style. And on the country road sports mode will help you better control the car at high speed.
NORMAL mode is a choice of settings between comfort and sports steering wheel. Perfect for daily driving in a small town or outside it, in the suburbs, where there is no heavy traffic, but the condition or length of the roads does not make it possible to develop a sufficiently high speed.
Lack of variety electronic systems ah, designed to make driving safer, easier and more enjoyable, KIA Sorento does not know.
Vehicle lighting is adaptive. While driving, the electronics monitors the trajectory and speed, and turns the headlights in the direction of the car, which improves the illumination of the front plane.
In city mode, a parking assistant is useful. Special ultrasonic sensors monitor the presence of free parking space. Next, the automatic parking system is activated, which controls the angle of the steering wheel. All that is required of the driver is to work the gas and brake pedals.
Thermal comfort is provided by separate climate control, controlled both from the center console and steering switches, and from the panel accessible to rear passengers.
The first and second row of seats can be equipped with a heating system. In addition, the front seats are equipped with a ventilation system.
The steering column is adjustable in two planes. Adjustable for tilt and reach. The height of the driver's seat is also adjustable, however, manually.
All windows are equipped with electric drive, as well as rear-view mirrors. In addition, the mirrors are also equipped with an electric heating system that effectively fights against snow sticking and icing of the mirrors.
Optional vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroof on the roof. The sunroof has an electric drive, and is also able to change the degree of dimming depending on the lighting.
Safety is ensured by the presence of an anti-lock braking system, distribution braking force, exchange rate stability, brake assist and hill start assist.
Airbags are provided for both front and rear rear seats. In more expensive trim levels, curtain-type side airbags are added.
All vehicle configurations are equipped with a very high-quality audio system. The most indicative level of audio preparation of the most comfortable version of the SX. The head-mounted multimedia device is sounded by ten high-quality loudspeakers working with the amplifier providing surround sound. The total maximum system power is an incredible 550 watts.
In general, the updated KIA SORENTO has become more interesting, more mature and more comfortable just as much as it was required. It will not be a revelation compared to the pre-styling version, but any motorist who has the opportunity to compare the new and old models will understand that this car has become more convenient.
Excellent dynamic characteristics engine, large and comfortable interior, ergonomic controls and comfortable seats - all this provides the new Sorento. Another undoubted plus is the abundance of trim levels. The machine is offered in three configurations, with two types power plant and gearboxes, and variety and quality additional equipment will satisfy even the most demanding consumer.
The exterior of the crossover corresponds to the corporate trends of the brand. The radiator grille has become less aggressive, chrome has decreased in its design, now the main focus is on optics in the design. Her inner drawing is adjusted, underlined with ribbons. running lights. niches fog lights moderate in size and arranged vertically. On some cars, a flaw appears: the light of their xenon headlights can be set to a beam that is too high. Fix it first Maintenance Kia Sorento.
The modern shape of the rear lights and a redesigned tail bumper relieved the body from heaviness. Together with a thoughtful position rear pillars and sloping rooflines that refreshed the silhouette of the car; The update has definitely helped. In addition, the body has a low drag coefficient (0.38) and is made using high quality steel. Its lightweight design has an 18% increase in rigidity - special heavy-duty elements absorb impact energy, protect the Sorento from tipping over and guarantee its passengers maximum safety. To improve safety indicators according to the EURO NCAP methodology also allowed new system Active Hood (Active hood), in the event of a collision protecting pedestrians from hitting the windshield.
The Kia Sorento has a very spacious interior - there is enough space on the second row of seats to comfortably accommodate three passengers, the distance to the backs of the front seats has increased by 30 cm. The seats delight with a comfortable fit and an abundance of electrical adjustments. There is also a third row, designed for two people, though not very tall. If there is no need for additional places, they can be folded, and in Kia Sorento trunk will more than double - from 530 to 1081 liters. By continuing the transformation and lowering the backs of the second row seats, it will be possible to fit even more luggage into the Kia Sorento. The only thing that surprises is that even in the most expensive configuration there is no automatic closing mechanism for the fifth door. In addition, the quality of materials in the interior design is still not the best, but more soft plastic is used in the decoration, the leather upholstery of the gearshift lever and steering wheel has become more pleasant. There was heated seats with intensity adjustment, and on top versions- also ventilation. In general, logical and necessary improvements.
The center console has become more practical, there is no congestion with buttons, which has already become a rarity in modern cars. Selector Automatic transmission Kia Sorento moves in a straight line, not in a "snake", as in previous version crossover. IN expensive options equipment on the control panel is installed 7-inch touchscreen, which displays the image from the rear view camera, navigation and media control interface. The instrument panel is unified with that on. Instead of a speedometer, a full-color liquid crystal display was used that displays speed readings and data on the operation of vehicle components.
The creators revised in more detail Sorento technical characteristics and off-road potential of the crossover. The car received an improved suspension. Her schemes remained standard: in front - two-lever, in the back - five-lever. The subframes and trailing arms were replaced, new dampers with improved characteristics were used, the springs were reconfigured. Such modernization, coupled with an increase in track and lower ground clearance, had a positive effect on handling. On the road, Kia demonstrates a smooth ride, there are no longitudinal and transverse buildups while driving. Sorento will calmly overcome the primer without annoying vibrations or breakdowns of the suspension.
To achieve a similar behavior on rough terrain allowed the all-wheel drive system with a viscous coupling that distributes torque on demand. By default, the front wheels are activated, but in case of loss of traction, the suspension of the wheels, the viscous coupling transmits up to 50% of the moment and starts working. rear axle. You can also connect it manually by activating the “Lock” mode. On the Kia Sorento, the drive may be front-wheel drive, but it is unlikely that you will be able to drive far off the asphalt surface on a mono-drive car. In general, apart from the descent assistance system, this is the entire off-road arsenal. The standard scheme for a car not assembled on a frame, its efficiency and accuracy is only enough for light off-road. Therefore, there are also disadvantages. On off-road, the car behaves unpredictably in corners. The Sorento has to slow down in those turns that any other SUV would handle at a much higher speed. Otherwise, it tends to increase the turning radius. With the stabilization system disabled, the car behaves like a rear-wheel drive, which can confuse an inexperienced driver. But this is only seen off-road. In the city, Kia Sorento, whose technical characteristics are designed for a quiet ride, moves much more confidently.
The crossover is available for sale with two types of motors. In our country, Kia Sorento are presented, the engines of which are not equipped with particulate filters and created according to the Euro-4 standard, while on the European market there are only engines that meet the Euro-5 eco-norms. But "our" motors are better in terms of dynamics. diesel engine The Sorento is only available in combination with 2-axle drive. It is equipped with a turbine capable of changing the trajectory and piezoelectric injectors, so fuel consumption is significantly reduced in the Kia Sorento. The diesel has a volume of 2.2 liters and reaches 197 hp. due to turbocharging. Already in the range of 1800-2400 rpm, 436 Nm of torque are available, the car accelerates to the first “hundred” in 9.9 seconds. At the same time, in the combined mode in the Kia Sorento, the diesel consumes 6.6 l / 100 km and does not lose throttle response, regardless of the quality of the fuel. Paired with an automatic transmission, even at low speeds, confident traction is felt. True, the speed of the crossover's response to pressing the accelerator has changed: the sharp acceleration characteristic of its predecessor has been replaced by a slight damping. But the delay is minimal, the gas pedal drive is informative and acceleration increases adequately to pressing.
The petrol version is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine with 192 hp. A torque of 242 Nm is achieved at 3750 rpm. On such a Kia Sorento, the engine is presented in a modification with GDI direct injection. This motor was not in a hurry to deliver to Russia for a long time, because for Kia Sorento gasoline should be good quality, which in our country could not be guaranteed, but now the range of units has been replenished with such an engine. Petrol Sorento works more productively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Acceleration to 100 km / h takes 11 seconds, and fuel consumption in the combined cycle is no more than 8.8 liters. However, the ECO mode, which allows you to reduce fuel consumption in the Kia Sorento, is only available with an automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, the smoothness of gear shifting in the box is pleasantly surprising, but steering not as informative as I would like. It is necessary to calculate the angle by which it is necessary to turn the steering wheel for a maneuver already in the process of its implementation. The reason is the electric amplifier, so beloved by the manufacturer. The Flex Steer system, which can vary the effort on the steering wheel, helps to slightly improve the driving experience. Its three modes - Sport, Normal and Comfort - allow each driver to customize the steering wheel individually. In addition, compared to the outgoing version, updated Sorento reduced gear ratio - steering wheel you can turn not so actively.
The restyled Sorento, of course, has risen in price, but the price has been adjusted only for the cost of the added options. The initial equipment is still too simple, at least for the petrol version of the crossover. Basic diesel modification it is richer equipped, however, having paid one and a half million rubles for a car, I want to see more. Therefore, you should pay attention to the configuration Prestige and Premium. The first is supplemented with many necessary little things like duplicate direction indicators on the rear-view mirrors and lighting in the thresholds. It also provides for additional adjustment of the driver's seat and a Russified navigation system. The second has all of the above, and besides this, it is richer in air conditioning, panoramic roof and an automatic body leveling system.
The general characteristic of Kia Sorento leaves a positive impression. Moreover, if you take a closer look at the mid-size SUV segment, you can understand that the crossover does not have many competitors. It is obvious that the Sorento still does not reach the European analogues in terms of quality. And he is not suitable for the role of a serious off-road conqueror. Therefore, Japanese and individual French classmates become equal rivals to him. IN Sorento Specifications, ideology and capabilities are similar to . However, the "Korean" is still more economical, more dynamic and more comfortable. In addition, Kia service The Sorento will cost less. Its advantages are a wealth of functional equipment, decent behavior in different modes and unpretentiousness of a diesel engine in terms of fuel quality. The main drawback is the inability to change the suspension settings. But every car has its flaws. In this case, they are justified by a good compromise: the buyer is offered big crossover, frisky enough and comfortable for little money.
Kia Sorento II generation restyling 2012-present
In 2012, Kia Sorento went through a facelift. To be frank, the look of the car has become more modern, so that the model, which in 2002 (the beginning of the Sorento production) seemed like a gray mouse and was easily lost in the stream, has become a completely recognizable car with its own style and handwriting.
The front has become more powerful and prettier. The headlights have become slightly smaller, the “foglights” have become rectangular, the bumper has also received a new shape. As for the stern, the tasteless lanterns were replaced by new and very expressive “feet”. And LED elements were also implanted into the optics - apparently, the designers pay tribute to fashion.
Engines and transmission Kia Sorento
There are only 2 motors for cars. Not much. But the Koreans did not “stuff” the car with budget “engines”, so the choice should be made between 2.2 liter diesel And "petrol tank" with a volume of 2.4 liters. In general, the "tractor" looks preferable. He has 197 "horses" against 174 liters. With. at petrol. This also affects the dynamics - 9.7-9.9 seconds. for a "solar-eating" motor (depending on the gearbox) versus 10.5-11.5 sec. at petrol. Well, in terms of traction, the advantage of a diesel engine is simply overwhelming - 421 Nm of torque versus 225 Nm. Besides, the peak torque of the 2.2-liter "engine" is much lower(thanks to turbocharging), which can also be written in the benefits column. Yes and His fuel consumption is 2 liters lower. So the reason for choosing this motor is obvious.
Naturally, one cannot say that gasoline unit bad, it just looks very pale against the background of its diesel counterpart. Interestingly, front-wheel drive is not provided for a 2.2-liter power unit, while it can be selected with a gasoline engine. As for the gearbox, for any “heart” of the car, you can choose a “mechanics” with 6 steps, or 6-band "automatic".
Regarding reviews - they are divided into 2 camps. Someone prefers to find fault with the car, someone praises it. How many people, so many opinions. But in that stiff suspension almost all car owners are the same.
Salon hasn't changed much. Only a slightly different color of the dashboard, the absence of a central well in the “tidy”, and also the silver edging of the air vents catches the eye. The steering wheel has changed a bit.
Options and equipment Kia Sorento
In the basic petrol version Koreans clearly saved on security- only pillows (front and side, as well as curtains). No electronic systems. Front-wheel drive, manual transmission, music, air conditioning, adjustable steering wheel and power accessories - a little for a car for 1 million 79 thousand 900 rubles.
Diesel with "mechanics" is much more expensive- 1 349 900 rubles. but it is also much more generously equipped - there is also HHC, HDC and ESP, all-wheel drive, dual-zone climate control, light and rain sensors, an adjustable multi-wheel and much more.
And here the most expensive modification with diesel, automatic transmission and all-wheel drive already estimated at 1,669,900 rubles. But it boasts a leather interior, headlight washer, xenon, LEDs, ventilated seats, navigation, a rearview camera and a host of other options.
Summary
In general, the updated Kia Sorento looks very good, but buying it in the basic version with a gasoline engine and “underdrive” is reasonable only with a strictly limited budget.